DC vs RCB Playing 11: From Virat Kohli to Kuldeep Yadav, check probable teams for today's IPL clash

Reeling from a crushing defeat despite posting a mammoth 264, Delhi Capitals have little time to regroup as they gear up to face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in an IPL clash on Monday.

The six-wicket loss to Punjab Kings, where their bowlers were taken apart in a record chase, has left DC rattled. Currently sixth on the points table, they are firmly in the middle of a tightening playoff race, where another setback could significantly hurt their qualification hopes.

Delhi’s campaign so far has been powered by explosive batting but undermined by inconsistent bowling. Their top order, led by KL Rahul, has consistently delivered strong starts, while players like Nitish Rana and David Miller have carried the momentum through the middle overs.


However, their inability to defend even imposing totals remains a major concern, especially after only moderate success in chases. The death bowling, in particular, has come under scrutiny, with opposition teams increasingly targeting that phase.

This puts added pressure on the bowling unit. Seamer Aaquib Nabi, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, and skipper Axar Patel will need to step up, especially in crunch moments, if Delhi are to address the issues that have cost them dearly in recent matches.

In contrast, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, currently second on the table, have displayed greater balance across departments. Led by the charismatic Virat Kohli, their batting has thrived on strong top-order performances, while the return to form of Devdutt Padikkal has added further depth and stability.

Their middle order has also been more defined in executing finishing roles, making RCB a well-rounded unit.

Importantly, RCB’s strength extends beyond their batting. Their bowlers have shown the ability to control games in key phases, particularly at the death — an area where Delhi have struggled.

In their previous outing against Gujarat Titans, RCB’s bowling unit showcased composure under pressure. Despite GT being well-placed for a big total, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Josh Hazlewood executed their plans effectively in the final overs, using variations and disciplined lines to curb acceleration.

That performance highlighted RCB’s growing reputation as a side capable of closing out innings — a stark contrast to Delhi’s recent struggles.

Monday’s contest could be shaped by key match-ups. Delhi’s aggressive top order against RCB’s new-ball attack will be crucial early on, while the middle-overs battle between DC’s stroke-makers and RCB’s spin options could dictate momentum.

At the death, the spotlight will be firmly on Delhi’s bowlers as they look to bounce back from the Punjab debacle, even as RCB’s disciplined attack aims to tighten its grip.

For Delhi Capitals, the equation is clear but demanding: fix their bowling, especially in the final overs, and ensure their batting efforts are not undone again.

For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, it is a chance to capitalise on a vulnerable opponent and further solidify their position near the top.

With the tournament entering a critical phase, this clash is about more than just two points — it is a test of Delhi’s resilience and an opportunity for Bengaluru to assert dominance.

DC vs RCB: Predicted XIs

DC Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (C), Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan, Auqib Nabi

RCB Probable XI: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma

DC vs RCB: Squads

Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel (c), K.L. Rahul, Karun Nair, David Miller, Pathum Nissanka, Sahil Parakh, Prithvi Shaw, Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Ajay Mandal, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari, Auqib Dar, Nitish Rana, T. Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Dushmantha Chameera, Lungisani Ngidi, Kyle Jamieson, and Kuldeep Yadav.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (captain), Virat Kohli, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jordan Cox, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Swapnil Singh, Jacob Duffy, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh, Mangesh Yadav, Phil Salt, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, and Vihaan Malhotra.